The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (92% Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah with a touch of Mourvedre, and aged completely in old wood) has supple texture, a deep ruby/purple color, and a sweet nose of blackberries and cassis with some meatiness, new saddle leather, and spice box. The wine is full-bodied, opulent, and quite long. It should drink well for 10-25 years. Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029

Like all of the T-L wines, this is heavily influenced by aging in barrique, but this wine handles it well, blending cedar and vanilla with flavors of cherries jubilee. It’s full, lush and oaky—almost New World in style.——J.C.(12/15/2009)—— 92